Brisbane Roar's McKay relishing Socceroos challenge

The 27-year old midfielder has so far proved his worth to Australian national team coach Holger Osieck by playing a number of various roles in the Asian Cup as the Socceroos roll along to the semi-finals.

McKay filled in at left-back for the injured David Carney in the third group stage match (1-0 win over Bahrain) before replacing suspended winger Brett Emerton on the left side of midfield in the 1-0 quarter-final triumph over Iraq.

The Roar star admitted that he was loving the challenge of playing at international level and said he was determined to help Australia take out the 2011 Asian Cup title.

"I'm getting some starts and minutes and I'm just loving it,'' McKay told AAP. ''It's a big stage and a step up from the A-League, but I've really enjoyed it and I'm keen to play some more.

''I wanted to come over here to help the side. I didn't want to make up the numbers and especially being away from the Roar, who are winning games.

''I obviously want to win this thing. We've got the Uzbeks next (in the semi-final) and then hopefully a final and then I can go back to the Roar at the peak of my game.''